Vehicle for doffing and collecting bobbins from a spinning frame



March 26, 1968 M. M. BRYAN, JR 3,374,617

VEHICLE Foa DoFFING AND COLLECTING BoBINs FROM A SPINNING FRAME FiledMarch 4, 1966 United States Patent O 3,374,617 VEHICLE FGR DGFFING ANDCOLLEC'HNG BOBBINS FROM A SPINNING FRAME Morris M. Bryan, Jr.,Jefferson, Ga., assignor to The Jefferson Milis, Jefferson, Ga., acorporation of Georgia Filed lv/Iar. 4, 1966, Ser. No. 531,869 i Claims.(Cl. 57-53) i ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Disclosed herein is anapparatus for dolring and collecting bobbins from a spinning frame whichincludes a movable inclined plane having an edge that engages the loweredges of the bobbins so as to move each bobbin upwardly as the bobbinslides along the edge ybetween a lower portion and an upper portion bythat vertical motion required to disengage the bobbin from a spindle andwhich includes a bin simultaneously movable with and relative to theinclined plane. The motion of the bin relative to the inclined planeserves to distribute bobbins along the length of the hin even as the binmoves with the inclined plane along a spinning frame.

The present invention relates to a vehicle for dofling and collectingfilled yarn bobbins from a spinning frame.

Spinning frames are conventionally used in spinning a plurality ofrovings into a corresponding equal number of yarns, each frame usuallybeing capable of simultaneous spinning of 100 or more yarns. As theyarns are spun they are Wound on corresponding individual bohhinsmounted along one of the sides of the frames. The bobbins provideconvenient packages whereby the yarns may be easily transported and fedto subsequent operations such as the weaving of fabrics.

As the bobbins on a spinning frame become filled with yarn they must beremoved or doffed from the frame and replaced by empty bobbins.Normally, a spinning frame is operated so that all of the bobbins on theframe at any one time become filled with yarn at the same time. As aresult, complete removal and replacement of the yarn filled bobbins maybe accomplished at one time rather than on a piece-meal basis.

Heretofore, it has been usual practice for the individual operating eachspinning frame to remove the bobbins from the frame by hand. Due to therelatively large number of bobbins removed, the operator normally has arelatively large collecting bin mounted on wheels or casters into whichthe yarn-filled bobbins are randomly dropped as they are removed. As isapparent, the removal or dong of the bobbins from the spinning frame inthis manner is not only tedious and time consuming but the randomdispersion of the bobbins in the bin creates problems in subsequentremoval of the bobbins from the bin at the next operation.

By way of the present invention there is provided a bobbin doing andcollecting vehicle which Will not only remove the yarn-filled bobbinsfrom the spindles of the spinning frame but will also deposit thebobbins in a relatively orderly manner in a collection bin forming apart of the vehicle. As a result, the operator need only providelocomotion and guidance for movement of the vehicle along the row ofbobbins to be doffed from the spinning frame. T-he invention providesadvantages in that the removal of the yarn-filled bobbins from thespinning frame may be accomplished at a faster rate, more bobbins perunit volume of the collection bin may be collected due to the orderlydeposition of the bobbins in 3,374,617 Patented Mar. 26, 1968 the bin,and the removal of the bobbins from the collection bin at a subsequentoperation is more readily accomplished. l

These and other advantages of the present invention will be moreapparent from the following discussion and the accompanying drawingswherein:

FIG. l is a side elevational view illustrating the bobbin doing andcollecting vehicle of the present invention.`

FIG. 2 is a top view of the bobbin doliing and collecting vehicle shownin FIG. l.

. FIG. 3 is a end view of the bobbin doing and collecting vehicle asshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a view in partial section of the manner in which the halfgears used to impart reciprocating m0- tion to the collection bin areintegrally mounted on a common axis.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative manner in which the half gears may bemounted on the vehicle for providing a reciprocating motion to thecollection bin.

Briefly described, the bobbin dolling and collecting vehicle of thepresent invention comprises a supporting platform mounted for movementon wheels or casters, a bobbin doing or removing means secured to andextending upward of one side of the supporting platform, a collectionhin movably mounted on the supporting platform for reciprocation withrespect to the platform, and drive means connected between the wheels ofthe supporting platform and the collection bin whereby continuedmovement of the supporting platform in a single direction imparts acorresponding relative reciprocating motion to the collection bin.

Referring first to FIG. l, a side view of the bobbin dofling andcollecting vehicle is illustrated. There is provided a supportingplatform 11 having a plurality of wheels 15 mounted on its underside.The wheels are preferably mounted in groups of three as best seen inFIG. 3, there being one group positioned at each of the end portions ofthe platform and a third group positioned approximately mid-way betweenthe ends of the platform. The third group of Wheels provides the drivingforce for reciprocating the collection bin of the vehicle as will heexplained in further detail later in the description.

The Wheels of each group are iixedly mounted on an axle or shaft 13which is preferably journaled in a series of axle supports 14conveniently spaced on the underside of the supporting platform. In thismanner, both the wheels 15 and the corresponding axle 13 rotate in theaxle supports 14 as the supporting platform is moved across a floor orother substrate.

The axle 13 of the group of wheels mounted mid-way of the supportingplatform is of somewhat greater length than the other axles and extendsoutward from underneath and beyond one of the longitudinal edges of thesupporting platform. A main driving gear 31 is lixedly secured to theend of this axle and serves to engage and drive two systems of gearswhich provide reciprocating motion to the collection bin.

It should be understood that the groups of wheels 15 mounted at eitherend of the supporting platform may have different mountings than thatpreviously described. F or example, rather than being fixed to the axlethey may be bearing mounted and independently rotatable. Furthermore,they may be altogether independently mounted and may even be pivotal toallow for easier turning movement of the platform.

Also .along one of the longitudinal edges of the supporting platform andfixedly secured thereto are two vertical supporting members 41 and 42.These supports are in spaced apart relationship on either side of themid-point of the supporting platform. A horizontal supsupports. On theupper side of the horizontal support is secured an angular extensionmember 44 which extends outward from the side of the vehicle as detinedby the supporting platform .and the various supports 41, 42 and 43. Atthe outer end of the extension member 44 is mounted an inclined plane 45and a guide arm 47 both of which cooperate to doti the successiveyarnlled bobbins from the spindles of the spinning frame and direct themto the collection bin of the Vehicle, all of which may best beunderstood by reference to FIGS. l and 2 wherein a plurality ofyarn-filled bobbins are indicated by phantom lines in the manner inwhich they are Ipositioned on the spinning frame with their lower edgesin sequence along a substantially horizontal line of referenoe. Asillustrated', the leading edge of the inclined plane 45 is positioned insuch a manner as to pass along' the line of reference and under thelower side edge of each bobbin .as the Vsupporting platform 11 is movedahead adjacent the spindles and along a line of motion substantiallyparallel to the line of reference. Further lmovement of the plane 45imparts suicient vertical motion to a bobbin as the bobbin slides alonga length of the plane 45 between a lower portion and an upper portionvto cause the bobbin to slide up and oi the top of the spindle on thespinning -frame. VWhile this movement is taking place the guide arm 47,which is mounted n the rear of the inclined plane, engages the .side ofthe bobbin and directs it toward the collecting bin. A trough 46, aixedto the inclined plane, completes the bobbin doiiing lmeans. The troughIserves to direct the dotted bobbins into the collection bin. v

As is apparent ,the extension member 44 must be of suflicient length toplace the bobbin dofling means in a position to engage the undersides ofthe individual bobbins .as the vehicle of the present invention passesalongside of the spinning frame.

A collection bin 20 is positioned for independent longitudinal movementon the upper surface ofthe supporting platform 1=1. The bin comprises agenerally rectangular box' having a width which is preferablysubstantially the same as the length of the individual 'bobbins althoughwider dimensions may `be employed. The volume of the bin shouldrbe atleast suiicint' to accommodate lall of the bobbins which would -beremoved and vcollected at one time from the spinning frame.

On the underside o f the -bin 20, preferably near the corners thereof, aplurality of Vwheels or casters 21 are mounted by means of .supports 22.The wheels 21 of the collection lbin ride in corresponding longitudinalrunways 16 formed into the upper surface of the supporting platform 11.In -this manner, the collection `bin 20 is guided throughout itsreciprocatory movement.

Secured to an upper longitudinal edge of the collectionl bin is .anelongated gear rack 23. Between the gear rack and the main driving gear311, previously described, are two vrsystems of gears which lprovide thecollection bin with reciproatory 'movement lOne system periodicallymoves the collection bin in one direction relative to the supportingplatform while the other system provides the opposite .periodicmovement.`

The two systems of gears may -best 'be described with reference ltoFIGS. 1 and 3. One system inludes driving gear l31, intermediate gear32, transfer gear 34 and hal-f gear 36. VThe second system includesdriving gear 31., supplementary driving gear 31', intermediate gear `33,transfer gearv 35 vand-half gear '37. hAs is apparent, the systemsinclude identical corresponding gearswith the exception yof theadditional supplementary ydriving gear 31 included in the second system.The addition of vthis gear allows the corresponding half gears 36 and 37to rotate in opposite directions. By positioning the teeth portions ofthe half gears 180 outof-phase with respect` to each other, rbest seenin FIG. 2, only one gear system will be in engagement -With ythe gearrack at .any one time. As a result while half Vgear 36 of the, firstsystem engages the gear rack the collection bin 20 is propelled in onedirection. This movement stops when the toothless portion of half gear36 rotates into an adjacent position with the gear rack. However, at thesame time that half gear 36 disengages the gear racl the teeth of theoppositely rotating half-gear 37 move into engagement with the gear rackVthus propelling the collection bin 20 in an opposite dirooiioii withrooprof, to tito ,Supporting platform than ilo previous movement causedby the lirst gear system.

The half gears 36 and 37 and gear rack 23 are .preferably of suchconstruction and dimensions that the collection bin may be reciprocatedwith suicient amplitude to alternately position its opposite .endsbeneath the trough 46 of the bobbid dolrig moans.-

The precise embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 Vproyidoo that bothgear Systems be Subsidotidlly .Suporiiilposod .on odoli other So'fhathalf gears 36 ddd 37 dro rotatably mounted `on the same axisf'lhespecifi@ mnner of tlio iiiiifoxigl mounting of half gears 36 grido-i7,and their corresponding Atransfer gears 3 4 and 35 Yisshown irl FIQ.-fl- Gears ,3.4 arid Y315 die .fiXodly inoiliitod onn tho ends of shaft3S. Intermediate of the gears 34 and is a concentric hub 39independently rotatablyindnnted oil Shaft 38.- Sooilrod to ,the opnoitoorids of tho hob .aro gears 35 `and 37. v u M y Both gear systems oromooiilod on a fixed godi rapport 12, shown in FIIG, 3, which is securedto the longitudinal edge of the supporting platform immediately abovethe main driving gear 31.

Ali alternative embodiment of the Present intention iS shown in IFILG. 5which provides that both gear systems be substantially separated from,each other. vThisis generally .indicated by the `Shaded apartrelationship of .hlf gears 36 arid 37"- Of Course., this arrangement mayigoossitaio on oxioiidod goor rook 2,3" .in ordor that adoqiigte,amplitude of rooiorooatioii 'bo oliiaiiiod for rho .Collection .-biii-.Tliiis having 4rlescrilrid the Structure of tho hobbiii doiingvcollecting vehicle and the individual functions of its component parts,the Voverall coordinatedoperatioiial featores vof the present inventionare pointed out ito indioaio ,tho .adi/artigos obtaiiiod Whoo dieydliigld is aladod 111 use.

` The ibobliins .on .a .Sgiiioiiig .frame aro molmlod oli spindles .iiia long oogtioiioiio .-.row'goriorally inldiogidby the Phantom lirios ,in,F.IGS. l .and 2 and Whioh placs thoir'lowr @rigor iii gggiiorioo alongd .Substantially horizon'- tal line of reference. vWhen these bobbinsbecome yiilled with yard arid .it ,iS .desired .to roiiioyo .or dotitheir from tho from@ the bolzliiri doliiiig ,arid .oollootiiig ygliiol'oof ilio protoni invention ,is rigged t the 'lidad of die .row by rhooperator 'The ygliidlo ,is oriented .So .dial dio ,frodi of dieiiioliiiod olado .mggilior .faces ,dor/,r1 .tho ,row .of yarri llodDobbins .and .is iii lido with .their ioworoiitorgdgos Preferably, the.o ollootioii 'bili .on the ygliiolo iS iii ii 'position at oiilidrodierno ond of the .,oollodtioii bin will lio ,lodged immediatelyrliogootli tho .trough 4o .and ,a ,ooiiirloio tirs! layor of bobbiiismay their be deposited idro .dio b iii,

"The operator 'begins tho operation 4by Pddiiilg .the Yohicle alongaline f motion adjacent the spindles and the row oibobbiiisvwlioroiirori .d lowor .Portioii of the olinod plano member 45engager tho 'lowor odgds of tlir` Bobbinis arid motion `of the ld'wrodge.s .dloiig'ilio olado member V45 between the lower lportion and :an'uppery Portion jlif.ts rho '.lzohbiro ol'tlio ,Sgiiidloo- .ThisProcedure is indicated in B1G. 1 wherein the b obbins are .shown beingraised "by the inclinedplane Asthe bobbins are Withdrawn fiori.i the.Spindlos'tho guido arm 47 oogagos rho Sides o f the Yliobrliiiis aridtilts them toward the trioiigli side of A`the inclined plane member.This vis most easily understood by reference to FIG. 2 When the bobbinshave completely disengaged their spindles they Ifai); into the troughand are guided to the vcollection bin by the guiding means provided bythe guide arm 47 and trough 46. In the bobbin collecting means providedby the collection bin, the bobbins are deposited in a somewhat orderlyarrangement in the bottom of the bin.

At the same time that the bobbins are being withdrawn from the Spinningframe the movement of the supporting platform causes the interconnectedseries of gears to rotate and impart relative movement to the collectionbin. The gears are so designed that the incremental movement of thesupporting platform during the withdrawal of adjacent bobbins produces acorresponding incremental movement in the collecting bin which isapproximately equal to the width of a bobbin. ln this manner, it ispossible to deposit the -bobbins in side-by-side relationship during themovement of the supporting platform along the spinning frame. Uponreaching the end of a deposited row of bobbins, the relative movement ofthe collection bin is reversed by the interconnected series of gears.Continued movement of the supporting platform 11 produces continuedrelative movement in the collection bin to thereby deposit a secondlayer of bobbins over the first layer. Since the relative movement ofthe collection -bin has been reversed, the second layer of bobbins isdeposited in an opposite direction to which the iirst layer wasdeposited.

As the vehicle continues to move down the line of bobbins on a spinningframe the collection bin reciprocates relative to the supportingplatform whereby successive layers of bobbins may be deposited with thebin. Any misalignment of the bobbins as they are deposited into thecollection bin may be easily remedied Iby the operator as he moves thevehicle along the spinning frame.

Thus, having described the present invention it will be apparent tothose skilled in the art that certain modifications and variations maybe made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention andtherefore it is intended that the present invention be limited only asdefined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In an apparatus for doing a plurality of bobbins from spindles onwhich the bobbins are positioned so that their lower edges are insequence along a substantially horizontal line of reference and so thata vertical motion of each bobbin relative to the line of referencecauses the bobbin to be dis-engaged from a spindle; a platform movablealong a line of motion substantially parallel to said line of referenceand adjacent said plurality of bobbins; a bobbin removing means forremoving bobbins from said plurality of spindles, said bobbin removingmeans having an inclined edge which is positioned to pass along saidline of reference and to engage a lower edge of a bobbin with a lowerportion when said platform is moved along said line of motion and whichis of Sufficient length between said lower portion and an upper portionto irnpart Said vertical motion to a bobbin as said inclined edge passesalong said line of reference; bobbin collecting means for collectingbobbins, said lbobbin collecting means being positioned on and movablewith said platform and being independently movable on and relative tosaid platform in response to motion of said platform along said line ofmotion; and bobbin guiding means for guiding a 'bobbin removed from aspindle by said bobbin removing means into said bobbin collecting means.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 including reciprocating means for impartinga reciprocating motion to said bobbin collecting means in response tosaid motion of said platform along said line of motion.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 in which Said bobbin guiding means comprisesa guide bar positioned to deflect a bobbin toward said bobbin collectingmeans subsequent to said vertical motion and a trough positioned tosupport said bobbin between said bobbin removing means and said bobbincollecting means.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the bobbin collecting meanscomprises a bin mounted on Wheels and in which the upper surface of theplatform is provided with grooves for guiding the movement of the wheelsof the bin.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 in which the reciprocating means comprises agear rack secured along one side of the bin, a first System of gearsadapted to engage the gear rack and provide movement to the bin in a rstdirection relative to the platform, a second system of lgears adapted toengage the gear rack and provide movement to the bin in a seconddirection opposite to said first direction, and means to drive bothfirst and second gear systems.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 in which the means to drive both lirst andsecond gear Systems comprises a single gear which simultaneously engagesboth said gear systems and is driven by at least one wheel upon whichthe platform is mounted.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 in which the means to drive both first andsecond gear Systems comprises separate gears each of which is in turndriven by at least one wheel upon which the platform is mounted.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 in which the first and second gear systemsboth include half gears for engaging the gear rack on the bin, the halfgear of the first gear System being out-of-phase with the half gear ofthe second gear system.

9. The apparatus of claim y8 in which the bobbin guiding means islocated substantially mid-way along the side of the platform and the rstand second gear systems are substantially superimposed on each other andare also fiXedly located approximately midway along the side of theplatform.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 in which the bobbin guiding means islocated substantially mid-way along the side of the platform and thefirst and second gear Systems are substantially separated from eachother and are iixedly located beneath but proximately on either side ofthe bobbin guiding means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 563,754 7/1-896 Doyle 74-32631,635 l8/ 1899 Hallberg 74-32 2,767,536 10/ 1956 Forkel 53-2363,088,267 5/1963 Tsukumo et al 57-53 3,090,178 5/ 1963 Frst et al 242-27X 3,245,214 4/1966 Escursell-Prat 57-53 3,307,340 3/ 1967 Nishii et al.57--53 3,318,078 5/ 1967 Bahnson et al. 57-53 FOREIGN PATENTS 280,141 4/1952 Switzerland.

FRANK I. COHEN, Primary Examiner.

